20 weeks: the half-way mark

Amazingly enough, at 20 weeks, we have reached the half-way point for this pregnancy, which leaves another 20 weeks until the little guy joins the family. He now weighs about 10 1/2 ounces ; in length, he's around 6 1/2 inches long from head to rump, and about 10 inches from head to heel. (For the first 20 weeks, measurements are taken from the top of the baby's head to his rump. After that, measurements from head to toe are used. This is because a baby's legs are curled up against his torso during the first half of pregnancy, making accurate measurement difficult)

Also, a greasy white substance called vernix caseosa now coats his entire body to protect his skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. (This slick coating also eases the journey down the birth canal.)

He is swallowing more, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky substance that's the result of cell loss, digestive secretion, and swallowed amniotic fluid. This meconium will accumulate in his bowels, and he will pass it in utero, or shortly thereafter.